6th
Grade Science Syllabus
Comprehensive
Science
Teacher:
Mrs.
Schroeder
Room:
6-516
Email:
kschroeder@dadeschools.net
Website:
http://TeacherWeb.com/FL/KeyBiscayneCommunitySchool/Schroeder
Planning
Hours: 1st Period-Mon & Thurs 8:45-10:30 & Wed 8:45-9:30
Course
Overview
The
purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to study concepts of life
science, earth/space, and physical sciences, and their applications to
everyday life. Topics
include: the
nature of science, the nature of matter, energy, force and motion, processes
that shape the Earth, Earth and space, the processes of life and how living
things interact with their environment.
Course
Goals and Objectives
1.
Apply
knowledge of the unifying concepts and processes of science to conduct
investigations and solve problems in a safe and effective way,
2.
Describe
how form and function affect the organization of living systems.
3.
Describe
changes in the environment over time.
4.
Describe
the unique features of the planets and other celestial bodies.
5.
Demonstrate
knowledge of the properties of matter, including distinguishing differences
between chemical and physical changes.
6.
Demonstrate
knowledge of forms of energy, alternate energy sources, and energy
conservation methods.
7.
Describe
characteristics of light, color, and sound.
8.
Describe
characteristics of magnetism and electricity.
9.
Demonstrate
knowledge of the impact of technology on society.
Grading
Grading
will be based on participation, effort, and academic performance.
Evaluation
of academic performance will include class work, exams, quizzes, homework and
projects.
It
is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their grades by accessing
their grades in Excelsior (Parent Viewer).
Textbook
Glencoe,
Florida Science Grade 6
Textbook
website: http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007869387x/
CD are available on a first come/ first served bases (I only have 80).
The CD is an exact replica of the text book but has a feature where the
computer will read the test aloud.
Course
Policies
1.
Students
are required to participate in class discussions.
2.
Students
will complete all required readings and written assignments by the due date.
3.
Students
will keep a science binder containing class handouts, daily warm-ups, lab and
class work, homework and rubrics.
4.
It
is the responsibility of each student to acquire, to complete and return any
missed assignments, notes and lab data due to excused absences.
All
make-up work will be accomplished after school.
August
24, 2009
Dear
Students and Parents,
Welcome to 6th grade Science class! I look forward to an exciting
and productive school year. As you have noticed I have included my email
address at the top of the syllabus page. Students and parents, please feel
free to email me at any time. I usually check my email before the beginning
of school each day. Please understand I may only be able to email you back
during my planning time. Due to the fact that students and parents have
different last names PLEASE include the students name in the subject of the
email. Also
included is my web page, which will have homework assignments, extra credit
etc…
ABSENCES,
ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES & HOMEWORK:
If you miss class for any reason, it is YOUR responsibility, before returning
to class, to obtain all notes, lab data or information covered while absent,
from a member of your lab team. All assignments are due on the dates
specified. All assignments will be marked a letter grade off for each day it
is late. Example: Project is due on a Wednesday. If it is turned in on
Friday it would be 2 letter grades off and then would be graded by the
teacher. If you are absent from school on a due date, and you have an excused
absence, it is due the next day with out a penalty. It is the students'
responsibility to give the late assignment to the teacher. I will not ask for
it! Homework will be given weekly. If you have an excused absence it is due
the following day. NO homework will be accepted late! After 3
missing homework assignments a detention will be issues. Detentions can ONLY
be served on thursdays at 7:50am or 3:00pm. Homework assignments will be
posted on my teacher website. Please
bookmark the following website.
http://TeacherWeb.com/FL/KeyBiscayneCommunitySchool/Schroeder/
REQUIRED
MATERIALS:
To assist students in attaining success in middle school science, it is
essential that the list of materials be brought to class everyday.
The borrowing and lending of materials between students results in disruption
in the classroom and the grades of students involved will be cut. (The list
of materials is on file in the office and on my web page.)
CLASS
RULES:
Class rules have been established to provide students with a safe and
productive environment for the learning of science, and are posted in the
classroom. Adherence to these rules is essential. Failure to comply may
result in a detention, parent conference, restrictions from class
participation, administrative referrals, etc…(Riding a bus is no excuse for
not serving a detention!)
SCIENCE
FAIR PROJECTS:
All middle school students will conduct an independent research project on a
topic of interest using the scientific processes utilized within the
classroom. The results of this research will be presented in the form of a
science fair project, which will be due in November BEFORE Thanksgiving
break. Projects will be presented to the class the following week. There
will be a minimum of 6 grades given for the different parts of the project.
Start thinking about your topic now!
EXTRA
CREDIT:
Because of the various labs conducted in class using "consumables," extra
credit will be given for those specified items. Make sure that your name is
on any extra credit that is turned in!
Examples
include, chalk, Matchbox cars, tootsie roll pops, etc…
One of your child's first grades for science will be to complete the attached
forms and return them on or before Monday August 31, 2009. Please keep
the above letter so you may reference it, and also for my contact
information. I look forward to meeting you all.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Schroeder
6th Grade Science Teacher
B.S. Elementary Education
M.S. Educational Technology
FEA-Lead Teacher
Students and Parents: Please sign and place in your binder so you are aware of
the class rules and objectives.
___________________________________
Student
Signature
___________________________________
Parent
Signature